The turtle

The turtle is built like an armoured car. It is covered a hard shell, though the shells of some turtles are more like leather. Turtles have lived on earth as far back as two hundred million years ago.

Turtles live on land as well as in water. Some spend almost all their lives in water. These turtles only come up to the land to lay their eggs. Some turtles grow to a length of two and a half metres. They can weigh up to more than a ton. Turtles have flippers instead of legs.

The turtles of Malaysia are usually hunted for their flesh and eggs. The Chinese of Malaysia love turtle soup. This type of turtle is found in rivers and freshwater lakes.

Other types of sea turtles regularly come up to the sandy beaches during the night to lay their eggs. It is common to find people watching these turtles lay their eggs. Some people, however, disturb the turtles by sitting on them or taking away their eggs.

The Americans and Europeans love eating the 'Diamond Terrapin Turtles'. These turtles only live in fresh water. The Terrapin turtle has diamond shapes on its shell and have feet just like those of a duck.